Space Technology

Professor Chris Binns explains a project to develop Thin Film Solar Cell Technology. Norwegian company EnSol AS has patented a ground breaking, thin film solar cell technology which they seek to develop commercially by 2016.

The company is now working with the University of Leicester Department of Physics and Astronomy to develop this revolutionary new type of solar cell material that could be coated as a thin film on, for example, windows in buildings to produce power on a large scale.

The new material has been designed by EnSol AS and is based on nanoparticles that can be synthesised in Leicester. The University of Leicester Department of Physics and Astronomy has a long history in the field of nanoparticles and has equipment that is uniquely suited in the world to produce small amounts of the material for prototypes.

Photovoltaics are destined to form a key power generating method as part of a low carbon economy and the new technology will bring that a stage closer. The material is composed of metal nanoparticles (diameters ~ 10 nm) embedded in a transparent composite matrix. EnSol's next generation PV cell technology has tremendous potential for lower environmental impact and much more cost effective production and purchase than conventional devices.

For more information about Thin Film Solar Cell Technology see; http://www.ensol.no/r&d.htm

For more information about Physics and Astronomy at the University of Leicester see; http://www2.le.ac.uk/departments/physics